Tonka bean

What does it smell like?

Think soft vanilla-like warmth and almond powder, with less sugary, drier facets underneath.

What is it?

Tonka is the aromatic seed of Dipteryx odorata. Its natural extract and coumarin-like materials contribute to the perfume note.

The material

Dried tonka seeds.

Where does it come from?

Brazil is a documented commercial source.

Types and forms

Tonka absolute and roasted-tonka interpretations; the seed extract is more complex than an isolated aroma molecule.

Natural and manufactured materials

Natural extracts exist, and perfumers can also reconstruct or support this scent with aroma materials. A listed note is not proof of a particular natural ingredient, species or extraction method.

How it is produced or composed

Aromatic material is extracted from prepared seeds to make an absolute.

Its role in perfume

Usually adds a lasting warm foundation to amber, gourmand and fougère compositions. Pyramid positions are useful tendencies, not fixed rules or performance guarantees.

Material type

• Natural material and perfume note

Documented regions

• Brazil

Accords and scent relationships

• Gourmand
• Pairings are editorial exploration ideas, not formula rules.